High-Polish Masonry Case Study – Charlotte & Dick Lavin Jewish Community Center (Durham, NC)

Profile: Charlotte & Dick Levin Jewish Community Center
Durham, NC

The Jewish community of Durham, NC, set out to build a new community center with the goal of enhancing and preserving the traditions of their faith community, coupled with a green initiative to do their part in preserving the environment. Targeting silver LEED® certification, the new 35,695 sq. ft. facility accompanies the Judea Reform Congregation and Lerner Jewish Community Day School, serving as both a fitness center and a community gathering venue. The center includes a full-sized gym, two outdoor pools, a fitness area, rooms for art and music, a daycare facility, and a kosher cafe. With programs for both the elderly and the youth, the center is a hub for Jewish cultural and social events for the entire community.

The large masonry surfaces of both the interior and exterior of this modern design were animated by a subtle variegated pattern of Adams Polished Face concrete masonry units in three complementary hues. The pattern was achieved with 8'x24' panels mixed in a staggered coursing, offset in a one-third running bond relation. "The success of this installation is a reflection of a cooperative effort between the architect, the contractor, the mason, and the supplier," says Fred Pugsley, lead architect, who notes that the process included multiple samples and full-sized sample installations to insure the proper result.

Design Firm: Gurlitz Architectural Group - Durham, NC
Lead Architect: Fred Pugsley
General Contractor: Whiting-Turner - Raleigh, NC
Mason Contractor: Mattachione Construction, Inc. - Apex, NC

Featured Product >> Adams Polished Face CMU

Adams Polished Face units are made differently than conventional ground face, utilizing a 10-head wet grind process that starts with an 80-grit diamond and works its way to a 3500-grit polishing wheel, giving the final finish a high luster and revealing the beauty of the aggregate. Adams Polished Face CMUs can include recycled content to help achieve LEED® credits.